Liston Holyfield

I think Holyfield can grind out a win over big, bad, Sonny. Actually he wasn't that big. Holyfield's average heavyweight opponent was more than 6'0 204-212lb.

Holyfield can easily lose it if he goes toe to toe or has one of his breakdowns like the Moorer I or Bowe III fights. But if he comes in well, sticking to his gameplan, like he did vs Tyson and Bowe II, he can definitly pull it off. He can outspeed Sonny everywhere (feet, hands, upperbody) and pick his counters wisely.
Evander not being intimidated by Liston is also gonna work in his favor.

On his best day, with a trainer like Emmanuel Steward who keeps him at his gameplan and not slugging, i think he can beat Liston.

 

Yes, I do think Holyfield could beat Liston. He had the nerves, durability and ring savvy to stand up to Sonny's offense, he had enough speed, power, caginess and fundamentals to win rounds, and he wouldn't be intimidated by Liston and would have a considerable mental edge. So long as he fights his fight, I'm liking Holyfied by late stoppage.

 

I think Liston wins here. Holyfield is a tad over rated. Holy could be out slugged or out boxed. Liston could win either way. Unless Sonny the dog shows up, he's got too much for Holyfield. If Holyfield thinks he could stand and trade with Liston, he's mistaken.

Holyfield had a speed edge, but Liston defense is much better than Riddick Bowe's.

 

This says it all.

 

I believe there is a noticeable difference in defense between Liston and Bowe. Liston has pretty good defense. Liston moved his head, and kept his guard high. Liston was one of those naturally compact fighters in stature. He had big arms and fists. Getting to him was not that easy. Of Course Liston's natural power and weaponry often kept the other guy on the defensive from the get go. Bowe's main weakness was lack of defense.

 

Holyfield, by the most wafer-thin of decisions. This fight would most likely be an absolute barnstormer. :good

 

Listons long arms and his power jab will do wonders. Machen was fast Williams had power and was fast back then....
Liston had a very good right hand too. Liston at 209 pounds and age of Patterson 1.

 

well listons a bully......and holy wouldnt flinch........holyfield honestly would knock sonny liston out......**** lewis is a powerpuncher like liston he couldnt put away a 37 yr old holy....no way liston dents holy....holys awsume balance /fast combos/counterpunching....would beffudle liston......9 rd tko win foer holy

 

One of the most competitive and courageous heayweights of all time versus one that could be convinced to capitulate.

One of the most durable heavyweights of all time versus one that suddenly came apart on three occasions.

It's really a matter of approach.

 

You're talking about Liston now?

While Holyfield didn't suddenly came apart as Liston did, he did have his fair share of off-nights so to speak. Bowe III/Moorer/Cooper.

 

Holyfield takes it if he's on his very best form, anything less than that and Liston will beat him.

 

Lewis and Tyson put combinations together much quicker than Liston.

See for yourself, watch Lewis vs Botha and Tyson vs Bruno II (basically the same Tyson&Lewis that Holyfield fought). Then compare it to Liston's slow, clubbing finish of Williams II (his peak). They are far apart. Holyfield puts them together faster as well, but of course he doesn't have their power.

As to why no one talks about a top trainer in Listons corner, probably because Liston was a relatively smart fighter. He did follow Ali around in a straight line when he should've cut the ring off (didn't do it in the rematch either), but that's probably not gonna be a factor against Holyfield.